Zoology: invertebrates Books

Book SynopsisThis is the fascinating story of the world's most numerous creatures, illustrated by stunning images from the American Museum of Natural History's Rare Book Collection.Trade Review“Engel, a University of Kansas biology professor, delves into the American Museum of Natural History’s rare book collection, specifically its ‘thousands of marvelously illustrated books’ about insects, to create a book as aesthetically pleasing as it is informative. Insects, Engel explains, are indeed innumerable, with perhaps as many as 30 million extant species. They can also be set apart from the rest of the planet’s life in many respects, since ‘insects were among the earliest animals to transition to land, the first to fly, the first to sing, the first to disguise themselves with camouflage, the first to evolve societies, the first to develop agriculture, and the first to use an abstract language.’ Engel covers insect diversity, evolution, ecology, and physiology, among other topics, while including intriguing vignettes about early entomologists, including Maria Sibylla Merian, Julius T.C. Ratzeburg, and Jan Swammerdam. With so much ground to cover, Engel doesn’t go into great detail about any one point, but there’s enough substance to satisfy most readers. The images, however, are the stars of this work, which will delight every entomophile who turns its pages.” — Publishers Weekly“Engel, a University of Kansas biology professor, delves into the American Museum of Natural History’s rare book collection, specifically its ‘thousands of marvelously illustrated books’ about insects, to create a book as aesthetically pleasing as it is informative. Insects, Engel explains, are indeed innumerable, with perhaps as many as 30 million extant species. They can also be set apart from the rest of the planet’s life in many respects, since ‘insects were among the earliest animals to transition to land, the first to fly, the first to sing, the first to disguise themselves with camouflage, the first to evolve societies, the first to develop agriculture, and the first to use an abstract language.’ Engel covers insect diversity, evolution, ecology, and physiology, among other topics, while including intriguing vignettes about early entomologists, including Maria Sibylla Merian, Julius T.C. Ratzeburg, and Jan Swammerdam. With so much ground to cover, Engel doesn’t go into great detail about any one point, but there’s enough substance to satisfy most readers. The images, however, are the stars of this work, which will delight every entomophile who turns its pages.” — Publishers Weekly

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Book SynopsisThird edition of the most comprehensive and authoritative guide to the larger moths of Great Britain and Ireland.This latest edition of the Field Guide to the Moths of Great Britain and Ireland has been fully revised, updated and restructured, bringing it in line with the latest thinking in taxonomy. Moths are illustrated in their natural resting postures, and there are also paintings of different forms, underwings and other details to help with identification.New descriptions and illustrations have been included for species that have been newly recorded in Britain and Ireland since the last edition of the guide was published. The text descriptions of all other species covering field characters and similar species, flight season, life cycle, larval foodplants, and habitat have been revised and updated where necessary, and particular attention has been paid to updating the distribution information, which is now supported by maps.The revised general introduction explains Trade ReviewQuite simply the best in the field. -- Caroline Moore * The Spectator *The first two editions were already established classics ... This brand-new edition maintains the brilliance of its predecessors (the finest illustrations and best text around) and enhances it with an impressive update. -- James Lowen * Rare Bird Alert *There can be few moth enthusiasts without a well-thumbed copy of this book on their shelves. Whether you have an earlier version or not this edition has much new information, maintains the previous high standard, and is well worth adding to your library – it won’t remain unread for long. -- Graham Geen * BTO book reviews *If you are after just one tome on the larger moths of Britain and Ireland then this is it. -- Mark Parsons * British Wildlife *It is hard work to find fault with this book ... Wholly reliable. -- Colin Plant * Entomologist's Record and Journal of Variation *The most important book on moths published since Skinner. * British Birds *An excellent updated version of a well-loved guide. -- Mark Young * Atropos *

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Book SynopsisA unique and personal insight into the ecology and evolution of pollinators, their relationships with flowers, and their conservation in a rapidly changing world. The pollination of flowers by insects, birds and other animals is a fundamentally important ecological function that supports both the natural world and human society. Without pollinators to facilitate the sexual reproduction of plants, the world would be a biologically poorer place in which to live, there would be an impact on food security, and human health would suffer. Written by one of the world's leading pollination ecologists, this book provides an introduction to what pollinators are, how their interactions with flowers have evolved, and the fundamental ecology of these relationships. It explores the pollination of wild and agricultural plants in a variety of habitats and contexts, including urban, rural and agricultural environments. The author also provides practical advice on how individuals and organisations can study, and support, pollinators. As well as covering the natural history of pollinators and flowers, the author discusses their cultural importance, and the ways in which pollinator conservation has been portrayed from a political perspective. The book draws on field work experiences in South America, Africa, Australia, the Canary Islands and the UK. For over 30 years the author has spent his career researching how plants and pollinators evolve relationships, how these interactions function ecologically, their importance for society, and how we can conserve them in a rapidly changing world. This book offers a unique and personal insight into the science of pollinators and pollination, aimed at anyone who is interested in understanding these fascinating and crucial ecological interactions.Trade ReviewSUPERB. It contains everything I've spent the last 10 years trying to grasp, all in one book, AND written in a way I can understand! It makes such a difference to a non-scientist (like me) to be able to grasp the facts, and the science behind the facts, without having to first look up dozens of terms I don't understand. -- Brigit Strawbridge Howard * Author of Dancing with Bees: A Journey Back to Nature *Table of ContentsPreface and Acknowledgements 1. The importance of pollinators and pollination 2. More than just bees: the diversity of pollinators 3. To be a flower 4. Fidelity and promiscuity in Darwin's entangled bank 5. The evolution of pollination strategies 6. A matter of time: from daily cycles to climate change 7. Agricultural perspectives 8. Urban environments 9. The significance of gardens 10. Shifting fates of pollinators 11. New bees on the block 12. Managing, restoring and connecting habitats 13. The politics of pollination 14. Studying pollinators and pollination References Index

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewSince the publication of the first edition of the handbook in 1973, many thousands of novice and experienced beekeepers have relied on this book as the preferred single-volume guide to bee keeping * British Journal of Entomology and Natural History *

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Book SynopsisLogs, stones and the like provide an interesting interface between the damp depths of the soil and the drier open ground surface, offering refuges for a fascinating array of animals. The communities of organisms that live beneath them are little noticed and even less studied, yet the potential for ecological work here is great. Some of the animals are relatively large and frequently not difficult to find. They exhibit a wide range of lifestyles – from slow slugs or snails to very fast centipedes, from generalist to specialist feeders and from herbivores to carnivores. With chapters covering the cryptosphere environment, species groups, identification, guidelines and ideas for further research, this much-expanded and updated new edition also includes extensive, easy-to-use, comprehensively illustrated keys. Ground-surface debris can be found almost anywhere, often presenting highly accessible microhabitats for study and bringing immediate rewards to the curious: here is the ideal tool to unlock these worlds.Trade ReviewThis second edition, at 352 pages (ca fourfold longer), is comprehensive and has been thoroughly updated using the most recent taxonomic divisions and information available... This book will interest those who are curious about hidden animals. Teachers would also appreciate this book, as it could be adapted for students from elementary to high school. -- Phyllis G. Weintraub, Community EcologyAn excellent and very useful book for naturalists, ecologists, ecological surveyors, or indeed anyone interested in knowing what lives in the hidden places of their garden. It caters well for the growing interest in and use of bug hotels and will help anyone establishing them to understand more about the animal communities they support. -- Alvin Helden, Anglia Ruskin University * In Practice *A great addition to the library of any wildlife enthusiast who may want to observe the world of the invertebrates around them. -- Danniella Sherwood * Newsletter of the British Arachnological Society *If you are keen or just interested in turning over logs and stones (which most naturalists seem to enjoy or should do) then this is the book for you and its definitely worth upgrading to the new edition. Easily recommended. -- Roy Stewart * British Naturalist *Table of Contents1. Introduction 2. Environmental conditions under logs and stones 3. The cryptozoa 4. Identifying the animals 5. Studying animals under logs and stones 6. Useful addresses and links 7. References and further reading Index

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Book SynopsisLocated where the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean Sea converge, the Florida Keys are distinctive for their rich and varied marine fauna. The Keys are home to nearly sixty taxonomic families of bivalves such as clams and mussels - roughly half the world's bivalve family diversity. This volume provides a treatment of these bivalves.Trade Review"This handsome volume, the first of a projected three-volume work on the mollusks of the Florida Keys, sets an admirable precedent. Mikkelsen and Rudiger have probably created the best illustrated and most detailed of any marine identification work so far published...[T]his is an important reference work that belongs in the library of any institution that offers courses in marine biology."--J.C. Briggs, Choice "All marine bivalve enthusiasts should purchase this book, regardless of their home port. The anatomical drawings, illustrated glossary and good photographs will be useful worldwide. In addition, I would strongly recommend this book to all malacologists and shell collectors. It just might entice them to take the plunge into the exciting, if not tumultuous, world of bivalve taxonomy."--Paul Valentich-Scott, The FestivusTable of ContentsPreface Introduction 1 Florida Keys 1 Natural History 1 Need for Protection 2 Florida Keys Bivalves 3 Habitats 3 History of Exploration and the Florida Keys Molluscan Diversity Project 5 Using This Book 6 Bivalve Morphology 11 Recent Bivalve Families of the World 18 The Florida Keys Bivalves 24 Nuculidae 24 Solemyidae 30 Manzanellidae 35 Nuculanidae 38 Yoldiidae 44 Arcidae 48 Noetiidae 58 Glycymerididae 62 Limopsidae 68 Philobryidae 74 Mytilidae 78 Pteriidae 92 Isognomonidae 98 Malleidae 104 Ostreidae 108 Gryphaeidae 114 Pinnidae 120 Limidae 126 Pectinidae 134 Propeamussiidae 148 Spondylidae 154 Plicatulidae 158 Anomiidae 162 Crassatellidae 166 Astartidae 172 Carditidae 176 Condylocardiidae 182 Pandoridae 186 Lyonsiidae 192 Periplomatidae 196 Spheniopsidae 200 Thraciidae 204 Verticordiidae 208 Poromyidae 214 Cuspidariidae 220 Lucinidae 228 Ungulinidae 240 Thyasiridae 246 Chamidae 250 Lasaeidae 258 Hiatellidae 264 Gastrochaenidae 268 Trapezidae 274 Sportellidae 279 Corbiculidae 284 Cardiidae 288 Veneridae 300 Tellinidae 322 Donacidae 340 Psammobiidae 344 Semelidae 350 Solecurtidae 358 Pharidae 364 Mactridae 368 Dreissenidae 374 Myidae 378 Corbulidae 382 Pholadidae 388 Teredinidae 396 Acknowledgments 409 A Note About Shell Collecting 411 A Note on Species Names Introduced by d'Orbigny 413 Illustrated Glossary of Bivalve Terms 415 General Literature Cited and Suggested Reading 449 Image Data and Credits 455 Index 481

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Book SynopsisSpiders, objects of eternal human fascination, are found in many places: on the ground, in the air, and even under water. This book tells the intriguing story of how spiders evolved over 400 million years. It describes the trials and triumphs of spiders as they use silk to negotiate an ever-changing environment.Trade Review'This is a fascinating and readable account of one of the great, overlooked mysteries of life.' — Simon Barnes, The Times -- Simon Barnes * The Times *". . . [a] remarkable history of evolutionary innovations in silk spinning by spiders. . . effective and entertaining."--Quarterly Review of Biology * Quarterly Review of Biology *". . . an ideal introduction to spiders and a tempting peek at the field of silk research that. . . will leave the reader forever fascinated and enthused by these wonderful web weavers."--BioScience * BioScience *Library Journal bestseller in Zoology/Botany. * Library Journal *"This wonderful book cures arachnophobia for any lucky reader. Brunetta and Craig combine superb scholarship with engaging writing, providing a compelling introduction to evolution in action through the lens of spiders and their silks."—Simon Levin, Princeton University, author of Fragile Dominion -- Simon Levin"From black widows to balloon-riders and bola-swingers, spider evolution depends critically on a few proteins in silk. Brunetta and Craig weave genetics and behavior into a silky-smooth portrait of this fascinating group."—Richard Wrangham, Harvard University, author of Catching Fire: How Cooking Made Us Human -- Richard Wrangham“Spider Silk—a wonderful, charismatic natural history of spiders—will truly inspire all readers who may never before have appreciated this unique group of organisms.”—Margaret Lowman, author of Life in the Treetops: Adventures of a Woman in Field Biology and of It’s a Jungle Up There: More Tales from the Treetops -- Meg Lowman"In Spider Silk, Leslie Brunetta and Catherine Craig offer a history of this marvelous stuff that readers will find surprisingly compelling—for not only the astonishing complexity of spider silk itself, but also the many uses that spiders have created over the ages. It is, in other words, the epitome of evolutionary innovation."—Carl Zimmer, author of Parasite Rex and The Tangled Bank: An Introduction to Evolution -- Carl Zimmer'The book is full of amusing facts and observations. Definitely for the general reader with a keen interest in natural history.' — Tibor Fischer, Sunday Telegraph -- Tibor Fischer * The Sunday Telegraph *“This is a compelling and immensely readable account that engages the reader from start to finish and that I found difficult to put down.” –Tim R. New, Journal of Insect Conservation -- Tim R. New * Journal of Insect Conservation *'This is a compelling and immensely readable account that engages the reader from start to finish…A helpful index is also included, and a series of colour plates illustrate some of the book's subjects and themes…This well-produced book is a valuable and enjoyable contribution to fostering awareness of spider evolution…Buy it for your own interest, or as a gift for your favourite arachnophobe - you might just make a convert!' Tim R. New, Journal Of Insect Conservation (Australia) -- Tim R. * Journal of Insect Conservation (Australia) *"Spider Silk weaves together principles of genetics, biochemistry and evolution to explain the diversity and function of spider’s silks. This book is a model for next generation biology texts."—Cynthia Sagers, University of Arkansas -- Cynthia Sagers"The language is lively and a passion for the subject shines through."—Sue Howarth, The Biologist Vol.57 No.3 -- Sue Howarth * The Biologist Vol.57 No.3 *"Supremely absorbing book."—Ben Hoare, BBC Wildlife Magazine -- Ben Hoare * BBC Wildlife Magazine *Recipient of the 2011 "Highly Recommended Book Award" presented by the Boston Authors Club -- Boston Authors Club Highly Recommended Book * Boston Authors Club *Named the Silver Winner for the 2010 ForeWord Book of the Year Award in the Nature category -- 2010 Book of the Year Award in Nature * ForeWord Magazine *Selected as a Choice Outstanding Academic Title for 2011 in the Zoology category. -- Choice Outstanding Academic Title * Choice *"Spider Silk is an educational, thoughtful, fun and compelling read. Each chapter presents the reader with a logical progression of the spider species’ evolution – from early common ancestors millions of years ago to spiders we come into contact with everyday… After reading this book, it is hard not to stop and marvel at the complexity of spiders and their webs.’ Rachael A. Carmen, Springer -- Rachael A. Carmen * Springer Journal *"Well written....Very readable."—Ruth Grierson, Mount Desert Islander -- Ruth Grierson * Mount Desert Islander *

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Book SynopsisDinosaurs, however toothy, did not rule the earth-and neither do humans. But what were and are the true potentates of our planet? Insects, says Scott Richard Shaw-millions and millions of insect species. Starting in the shallow oceans of ancient Earth and ending in the far reaches of outer space-where, Shaw proposes, insect-like aliens may have achieved similar preeminence-Planet of the Bugs spins a sweeping account of insects' evolution from humble arthropod ancestors into the bugs we know and love (or fear and hate) today. Leaving no stone unturned, Shaw explores how evolutionary innovations such as small body size, wings, metamorphosis, and parasitic behavior have enabled insects to disperse widely, occupy increasingly narrow niches, and survive global catastrophes in their rise to dominance. Through buggy tales by turns bizarre and comical-from caddisflies that construct portable houses or weave silken aquatic nets to trap floating debris, to parasitic wasp larvae that develop in the blood of host insects and, by storing waste products in their rear ends, are able to postpone defecation until after they emerge-he not only unearths how changes in our planet's geology, flora, and fauna contributed to insects' success, but also how, in return, insects came to shape terrestrial ecosystems and amplify biodiversity. Indeed, in his visits to hyperdiverse rain forests to highlight the current insect extinction crisis, Shaw reaffirms just how crucial these tiny beings are to planetary health and human survival. In this age of honeybee die-offs and bedbugs hitching rides in the spines of library books, Planet of the Bugs charms with humor, affection, and insight into the world's six-legged creatures, revealing an essential importance that resonates across time and space.

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Book SynopsisStarting in the shallow oceans of ancient Earth and ending in the far reaches of outer space - where, Shaw proposes, insect - like aliens may have achieved similar preeminence. This book spins an account of insects' evolution from humble arthropod ancestors into the bugs we know and love (or fear and hate) today.Trade Review"A very enjoyable read. Planet of the Bugs is packed full of really great information from a unique 'buggy' perspective and is done with humor and fun." -Dena M. Smith, University of Colorado at BoulderTable of ContentsPrologue. Time Travel with Insects 1. The Buggy Planet 2. Rise of the Arthropods The Cambrian period, 541 - 485 million years ago, and the Ordovician period, 485 - 444 million years ago 3. Silurian Landfall The Silurian period, 444 - 419 million years ago 4. Six Feet under the Moss The Devonian period, 419 - 359 million years ago 5. Dancing on Air The Carboniferous period, 359 - 299 million years ago 6. Paleozoic Holocaust The Permian period, 299 - 252 million years ago 7. Triassic Spring The Triassic period, 252 - 201 million years ago 8. Picnicking in Jurassic Park The Jurassic period, 201 - 145 million years ago 9. Cretaceous Bloom and Doom The Cretaceous period, 145 - 66 million years ago 10. Cenozoic Reflections The Cenozoic era, 66 million years ago to the present day Postscript. The Buggy Universe Hypothesis Acknowledgments About the Author Notes Suggested Reading Index

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Book SynopsisThis book describes and illustrates the results of more than 15 years of elegant experimental studies conducted by the author to investigate how a colony of bees is organized to gather its resources. The results of his research offer the clearest, most detailed picture available of how a highly integrated animal society works.Trade ReviewSeeley’s well-developed cycle of observation and experiment, modelling, computer simulation and prediction formulation shows an exemplary approach to sociobiology… The book is clearly a labour of love, recounting marvels of integration and making for a pleasing contrast to the spreading orthodoxy of the social insect colony as a cauldron of conflict, where insects stepping out of line are punished or have their eggs eaten. -- Ross H. Crozier * Nature *I recommend this book highly to behavioral biologists and all scientists interested in understanding the organization of complex systems, at both the macro- and microscopic levels… [An] important book… It is a labor of love that radiates Seeley’s passion both for his beloved honey bees and for the research that can be performed with them to illuminate the mysteries of social life. -- Gene E. Robinson * American Scientist *This book is about the inner workings of one of nature’s most complex animal societies: the honey bee colony. It describes and illustrates the results of more than fifteen years of elegant experimental studies conducted by the author. In his investigations, Thomas Seeley has sought the answer to the question of how a colony of bees is organized to gather its resources. The results of his research—including studies of the shaking signal, tremble dance, and waggle dance, and other, more subtle means by which information is exchanged among bees—offer the clearest, most detailed picture available of how a highly integrated animal society works. * American Bee Journal *[A] well-written book…contain[ing] a wealth of detail. * Apicultural Abstracts *They say good scientists are judged not by their answers but by their questions. By this measure Tom Seeley must be amongst the great bee scientists. He has asked the questions whose answers illustrate the great wisdom of the hive… Space here does not allow me to pay proper justice to this marvellous book. Most beekeepers already think their bees are pretty smart—this book will only increase your admiration. A good value textbook and essential reading for all who dare to lecture on honeybee biology. * Beekeeping & Development [UK] *A terrific contribution that will build on the work of Martin Lindauer and Karl von Frisch. Seeley stands on their shoulders, but he is seeing new vistas. Others have asked what bees know, but Seeley explores new ground, asking how bees handle information and how this leads to reallocation of labor in the hive. -- Timothy H. Goldsmith, Yale UniversityTable of ContentsPART I. INTRODUCTION 1. The Issues 1.1. The Evolution of Biological Organization 1.2. The Honey Bee Colony as a Unit of Function 1.3. Analytic Scheme 2. The Honey Bee Colony 2.1. Worker Anatomy and Physiology 2.2. Worker Life History 2.3. Nest Architecture 2.4. The Annual Cycle of a Colony 2.5. Communication about Food Sources 2.6. Food Collection and Honey Production 3. The Foraging Abilities of a Colony 3.1. Exploiting Food Sources over a Vast Region around the Hive 3.2. Surveying the Countryside for Rich Food Sources 3.3. Responding Quickly to Valuable Discoveries 3.4. Choosing among Food Sources 3.5. Adjusting Selectivity in Relation to Forage Abundance 3.6. Regulating Comb Construction 3.7. Regulating Pollen Collection 3.8. Regulating Water Collection Summary PART II. EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS 4. Methods and Equipment 4.1. The Observation Hive 4.2. The Hut for the Observation Hive 4.3. The Bees 4.4. Sugar Water Feeders 4.5. Labeling Bees 4.6. Measuring the Total Number of Bees Visiting a Feeder 4.7. Observing Bees of Known Age 4.8. Recording the Behavior of Bees in the Hive 4.9. The Scale Hive 4.10. Censusing a Colony 5. Allocation of Labor among Forage Sites How a Colony Acquires Information about Food Sources 5.1. Which Bees Gather the Information? 5.2. Which Information Is Shared? 5.3. Where Information Is Shared inside the Hive 5.4. The Coding of Information about Profitability 5.5. The Bees' Criterion of Profitability 5.6. The Relationship between Nectar-Source 5.7. The Adaptive Tuning of Dance Thresholds 5.8. How a Forager Determines the Profitability of a Nectar Source Summary How a Colony Acts on Information about Food Sources 5.9. Employed Foragers versus Unemployed Foragers 5.10. How Unemployed Foragers Read the Information on the Dance Floor? 5.11.

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Book SynopsisAn eminent krill scientist takes us on a journey through the dark, icy world of krill.Krill. It’s a familiar word that conjures oceans, whales, and swimming crustaceans. Scientists say they are one of most abundant animals on the planet. But few can accurately describe krill or explain their ecological importance. Eminent krill scientist Stephen Nicol wants us to know more about these enigmatic creatures and how we can protect them as Antarctic ice melts. This engaging account takes us to the Southern Ocean to learn firsthand the difficulties and rewards of studying krill in their habitat. From his early education about the sex lives of krill in the Bay of Fundy to a krill tattoo gone awry, Nicol uses humor and personal stories to bring the biology and beauty of krill to life.

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Book SynopsisAn engrossing guide to the world of the flies now available in paperback.Trade Review`A short, rich book by turns informative and humorous... a hymn of praise to her favorite creatures and a gleeful attempt to give readers the willies.' New York Times `What really makes the book so engrossing is the weird and let's be frank occasionally horrifying behaviours that flies exhibit. The most compelling parts of McAlister's book are gruesome tales...after reading her book it is obvious: flies rock.' The Spectator `I would love to find antler flies sparring; or a bat fly `swimming' through the fur of its host; or a giant Texan robberfly feeding on a hummingbird. Instead, if I can keep up with Erica's infectious verve, I will vicariously drink down her rich enthusiasm.' Book of the Month - BBC Wildlife `Pure delight. McAlister tells fly stories with such affection and familiarity that it seems as if she is sharing secrets about her own raucous extended family full of bizarre, outrageous, and sometimes slightly evil characters.The Secret Life of Flies humorously and poetically illustrates that flies are far more than the pesky creatures we swat as they hover over our fruit bowls or bite our ankles.’ American Entomologist

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Book SynopsisA ground-breaking identification guide ... the perfect marriage of artistic excellence, deep knowledge and, dare I say it, of scientists'' genuine affection. BRETT WESTWOODThis brand new illustrated field guide covers all 47 species of ladybird occurring in the British Isles in a handy and easy-to-use format. Twenty-seven species are colourful and conspicuous and easily recognised as ladybirds; the remaining species are more challenging, but the clear illustrations and up-to-date text in this guide will help to break down the identification barriers. A useful introduction provides an overview of ladybird ecology, tips on studying and recording, and suggested sites for finding ladybirds. The main part of the book comprises detailed species texts, covering field characters, food, habitats, suggested survey methods, ranges, conservation statuses and distribution trends. An illustrated at-a-glance identification guide and helpful pointers for differentiating similar-lTrade ReviewWhether you fancy the challenge of trying to find all 47 UK species, or just want to identify the half-dozen or so that might turn up in your back garden, you need a good field guide, and this could well be it. -- Ken Thompson * British Ecological Society's 'The Niche' magazine *A fantastic field guide. -- Roger Tabor * British Naturalists' Association's 'Country-Side' magazine *Authoritative but well-written text supported by illustrations of the quality we have all come to expect from Richard Lewington, not to mention an excellent collection of photographs ... highly recommended. -- Andy Musgrove * BTO book reviews *The content of this book is a credit to both the authors and illustrator and with its wealth of useful information should certainly be given a place in the library of every specialist and general naturalist. -- Peter Hodge * Bulletin of the Amateur Entomologists' Society *Table of ContentsForeword Acknowledgements Introduction Ladybird habitats Regional guides Using this field guide At-a-glance guide Conspicuous ladybirds Inconspicuous ladybirds Similar species Potential new species Useful resources Glossary Plant names Animal names Photographic credits Index

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewSchmidt's tales will prove infectiously engaging even to entomophobes.—Publishers WeeklyOn Schmidt's pain scale, this book rates a zero—painless. On the pleasure scale, it rates a ten, a highly enjoyable read.—Natural HistoryReaders who share my fascination with the natural world, and particularly those who revel in unusual animal facts, will love The Sting of the Wild.—Between the CoversAn excellent book.—NewsweekA good read, with valuable evolutionary context for bees and their insect relatives interwoven with entertaining travel tales of an engaged entomologist.—American Bee JournalEven though the pain-laced topic might leave you wincing, Schmidt’s engaging and entertaining writing makes for a tale worth reading.—Scientific American[Schmidt's] low-down on sting biochemistry and physiology is relentlessly zestful, even as he recounts the swelling, burning consequences of his curiosity.—NatureThe Sting of the Wild is full of the stories of science of stings. Schmidt is an engaging writer, and his youthful enthusiasm for scary critters makes for a book that will sometimes scare you and sometimes make you double over with laughter . . . It’s a masterpiece of nature writing.—Nature's Cool Green ScienceIf you’re interested in bugs of any kind, and especially the notorious ones, this book will entertain, educate, and excite.—Discover MagazineNot only does he explain his Schmidt Sting Pain Index, wherein he rates the pain of numerous stings on a scale of one to four, but he also relates the fascinating natural histories of these animals.—National GeographicTotally fascinating.—FiveThirtyEightThe arms race that created the stinger hypodermic, and its biochemical warfare toxins, was a direct result of communal nesting, because the greater risk of predation demanded a formidable defensive strategy. This is the evolutionary theme through which the author lovingly interjects his own personal anecdotes.—BBC Wildlife MagazineIt's hard to imagine a nature book being more fascinating and fun.—Virgin Radio UKIn addition to providing colorful, connoisseur-grade descriptions of the pain caused by stings, The Sting of the Wild provides all sorts of information about stinging insects.—NewserBeautifully written . . . like nothing else you have ever read.—NPR's Science FridayFull of adventure, humor and Schmidt's impressive scholarship.—Redlands Daily FactsSchmidt, an entomologist at the Southwestern Biological Institute, is an excellent writer. He can write clear, engaging explanations of sting evolution and venom chemistry, as well as spin a good yarn about his adventures collecting stinging insects. I enjoyed his dry, judiciously applied, wit.—Pica HudsoniaThe Sting of the Wild weaves [Schmidt's] theories about stinging insects through a narrative of his personal experiences digging in the dirt. For many readers, the highlight of the book will be the appendix, his celebrated Pain Scale for Stinging Insects, which rates the pain level of dozens of insect stings, an index he created mostly by firsthand experience, either by suffering stings incidentally during field research or, in some cases, by inducing them. Because stings of the same magnitude don’t necessarily feel the same, Schmidt has written haiku-like descriptions for each of the 83 sting entries.—New York Times MagazineThe Sting of the Wild is a delicate and highly refreshing glimpse into the private mind of a professional scientist. —Times Literary SupplementSchmidt’s story is really new, refreshing, and thoroughly entertaining.—Journal of Natural HistoryThis is an informative and engaging story about the fascinating lives behind the insects that you may just think of as very annoying visitors at picnics.—The Biologist[A] surprisingly joyful book. . . Schmidt does a good job of passing on his boundless enthusiasm for insects. The sting of the wild is an easy read, packed with chemistry and anecdotes.—Chemistry WorldThe Sting of the Wild sheds light on the mysteries of stinging insects in a delightful and humorous narration. I recommend the book to every entomologist, ecologist, and naturalist interested in exploring the impressive world of Hymenoptera.—American EntomologistAnecdotes of field encounters with research subjects (and some incidentally encountered forest and desert coinhabitants) are woven throughout and bring readers close to what it feels like to be a field biologist. I will not spoil these dispatches fromthe front lines of venom, other than tomention that amongmy favorites were the author’s adventures with a large Bushmaster snake (a tropical viper) at night in the rain forest, a venomspraying species of wasp nesting above a tropical cliff, and the giant Asian honey bee (again at night) with a team of lucky (?) coworkers. If this cast of animal characters piques your curiosity, I am confident you will thoroughly enjoy The Sting of the Wild.This volume represents the best kind of natural history writing—a treasure trove of solid and fascinating biology cleverly disguised as a good read.—The Quarterly Review of BiologyThe Sting of the Wild is a great book for lay readers. Think of it as insect gossip, though verified gossip, of course. It has that convivial tone of sharing what's going on with the Jones, but the Jones are killer bees... You don't have to be a bug lover to enjoy The Sting of the Wild. I sure am not one, but nature is endlessly inventive and Schmidt knows how to make her inventions interesting and enjoyable.—Tonstant WeaderTable of ContentsPreface1. Stung2. The Stinger3. The First Stinging Insects4. The Pain Truth5. Sting Science6. Sweat Bees and Fire Ants7. Yellowjackets and Wasps8. Harvester Ants9. Tarantula Hawks and Solitary Wasps10. Bullet Ants11. Honey Bees and HumansAppendixReferencesIndex

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"Winner of the Roland H. Bainton Book Prize for Art and Music History, Sixteenth Century Society and Conference""[Bass’] study beds the manuscripts in early-modern empiricism, and beautifully complements the plates—a jewel box of exquisitely rendered sunfish, chameleons, bees, an Indian elephant and more."---Barb Kiser, Nature"****" * De Volkskrant *"[Insect Artifice] brilliantly brings [the] various facets of the depiction of insects together, in a study of the polymath and artist Joris Hoefnagel."---Kathryn Murphy, Apollo"Bass brings vast learning, remarkable facility with classical texts and meticulous first-hand analysis of the volumes in Washington to bear on her interpretation of Hoefnagel’s artifice. . . . This is a nuanced study, hovering between critical biography and wider intellectual and artistic history, of an easily overlooked sixteenth-century master. Bass has eloquently channelled Hoefnagel’s message – relevant to our own time – that small things do matter."---Albert Godycki, Burlington Magazine"This beautifully illustrated and exquisitely printed book offers a poetic reading of the Four Elements manuscripts."---Jessie Wei-Hsuan Chen, Nuncius"Bass provides an ideal, humanist reading of Hoefnagel’s oeuvre, positing the painter in opposition to the world of sixteenth-century court culture. . . . Insect Artifice is a magnificently illustrated, erudite, and profoundly insightful book. It offers an original and provocative interpretation of how Hoefnagel relied on art to remedy the wounds that the Dutch Revolt had inflicted upon him."---Dániel Margócsy, CAA Reviews

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Book SynopsisIn a world all too familiar with environmental disasters, Horst Kornberger argues that the bee crisis is a more significant problem than deforestation, pollution and global warming put together, as it points to the causes behind all these. Global Hive is a rallying cry for a new understanding of world ecology. More than a study of bees, this book offers both an entirely new way of thinking about the bee crisis and its causes, and a way to use the crisis to explore wider social and ecological issues. Kornberger challenges the dominant scientific worldview that reduces everything to minute detail and fails to see the larger holistic picture. He argues that we urgently need to start thinking about ecology in a different way -- by developing a new science which draws on empathy and imagination -- if we want to mend our relationship with the natural world. From this perspective, the worldwide threat of the bee crisis becomes a starting point for global change.Global Hive is a thought-provoking treatise on what colony collapse teaches us about our society, our choices and how we can build a more sustainable world.Trade Review'A wonderfully written book bringing together two aspects of our humanity: Bee-Culture and development of consciousness. Even though Kornberger is not a bee-keeper, his book is very well researched and brings to light other largely unknown aspects of the matter. He is an inspiring interdisciplinary artist, international lecturer, author and researcher into paradigm-shift.Global Hive is highly recommended for anyone wanting to understand the current human crisis deeply; for anyone wanting to take a very different but equally enlightening interest in honey-bees; and especially those wanting to connect the two. 'Compassionate ecology' comes to expression in many forms of current spiritually-inspired, Goethean and alternative bee-husbandry to which this book is an outstanding contribution.'-- Star and Furrow'The essential message of this eloquent book identifies our mindset as the root of the problems we are creating. How do we look at and understand the world? [...]This is a brilliant and penetrating study of the impact of our manipulative and emotionally impoverished Western mindset -- homo scientificus-economicus - and an urgent call to swarm our paradigms, pollinate the global mind and weave a new and compassionate eco-sphere of meaning.'-- The Paradigm Explorer'If I was limited to recommend just one book to a new beekeeper, an experienced beekeeper or somebody who loves nature and wants to know more about the extraordinary honeybee, it would be Global Hive by Horst Kornberger... This book is full of hope, and the source of the hope is the exceptional honeybee and the relationships they share with each other and nature. Horst urges us to understand and preserve the bee, so that we might start the process of turning around this ailing planet, and so create a global hive.Looking back, I can say it fundamentally changed my relationship to bees and my general consciousness of all other relationships. I feel truly inspired by bees, not for their honey but for what we can learn from them. I cannot recommend this book enough.'-- Jonathan Powell, Natural Beekeeping TrustTable of ContentsAcknowledgements 1 From Beuys to Bees 2 Honey Hunt 3 Domestication and What it Means 4 The Bee in All Bees 5 The Caged Queen 6 Enter: Varroa Destructor 7 Mites and Their Mission 8 Microscope and Mind 9 Mating Machinery 10 The Logic of Destruction 11 Macroscope 12 Goethe: The Apprentice of Nature 13 Compassionate Ecology 14 From Conscience to Compassion 15 Global Empathy 16 Beehive Metaphors 17 Bee Frames and Mind Frames 18 The Choreography of Care 19 Swarming Paradigms 20 Compassion Collapse Disorder 21 Imaginal Literacy 22 Global Hive 23 Ecolibrium 24 The Honey Doctrine Afterword Endnotes Bibliography About the Author

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Book SynopsisUrban pests are common all over the world. These include cockroaches, flies, mosquitoes, bed bugs, ticks, fleas, ants, termites, rodents and others. These pests thrive in human structures, where there is food, warmth and places to hide. Urban pests are one of the leading causes of illnesses in humans due to allergies, bites, food contamination and phobias. They can also cause significant damage to property and structures. Knowledge and training in this field is vital for professional and trainee pest managers. This book is specifically intended to provide an aid to such candidates. The book contains 500 multiple-choice questions (and answers) grouped into the following major topic areas: · The history of urban entomology · Household pests · Cockroaches · Flies · Mosquitoes · Bed bugs · Termites · Sporadic pests · Stored product pests · Vertebrate pests · Pesticides and pesticide formulations · Handling pesticides · Integrated Pest Control Produced in a convenient format that can be used at any time in any place, the book allows the reader to learn and revise the subject and much more. Its structure allows the study of one topic area at a time, progressing through a simple introduction followed by key revision questions, many of which require students to use their practical knowledge. The answers to each of the questions are provided at the end with short explanations wherever appropriate.Table of Contents1: Introduction to Urban Pest Management 2: Pest Identification 3: Mosquitoes 4: Bed Bugs 5: Flies 6: Cockroaches 7: Subterranean Termites 8: Drywood Termites 9: Powderpost Beetles and Wood Pests 10: Ants 11: Fleas, Ticks and Mites 12: Sporadic Pests 13: Stored Product Pests 14: Rodents 15: Birds and Bats 16: Pesticides and Formulations 17: Handling Pesticides 18: Integrated Pest Management 19: Answers

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Book SynopsisIncludes photographs of workers of all 61 ant species of Britain and Ireland, together with comprehensive keys to workers, queens and males. There are quick-check keys to workers and nests, and distribution maps. An account of ant biology and ecology is supplemented by many action photographs.

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Book SynopsisA riveting new exploration of the octopus from the world-leading scientific expert. For fans of Netflix's 'My Octopus Teacher' and Other Minds by Peter Godfrey-Smith.'Enchanting.' MAIL ON SUNDAY'Abounds with wonders.' KATHLEEN JAMIE, NEW STATESMAN'Brings the world of the octopus vividly alive... a sense of what it might be like to live in their skins.' FINANCIAL TIMES'The deepest of octopus books.' PETER GODFREY-SMITHAS HEARD ON BBC RADIO 4'S TODAY PROGRAMME_________________What is it like to be an octopus?The octopus is a highly intelligent and deeply mysterious creature. It can change colour as quickly as it can move, 'think' with its tentacles and communicate in sophisticated ways.Marine biologist David Scheel's lifelong preoccupation with these animals has led to a career of groundbreaking research, from finding previously unknown species to the discovery of signaling communication. In Many Things Under a Rock, Scheel shares his deep scientific understanding of octopuses and recounts his intrepid adventures with these mysterious, charismatic creatures.He investigates four major mysteries about octopuses: what can we know about such elusive and camouflaged creatures? Why are they so extraordinarily resilient? How do their bodies work? And what kind of relationships do they have? In unravelling these mysteries, Dr Scheel shows octopuses to be complex emotional beings and reveals what they can teach us about ourselves.Trade Review"Scheel brings the world of the octopus vividly alive. The best nature books do not just describe animals: they give us a sense of what it might be like to shape-shift ourselves and live in their skins." * Financial Times *Fascinating. Scheel's unique perspective on these animals makes this the deepest of octopus books. * Peter Godfrey-Smith, author of Other Minds *David Scheel's astonishing observations make him one of the most important octopus ethologists working today. He is also, fortunately for us, a sensitive and lyrical writer, bringing knowledge and stories from native cultures to bear on the science he describes. I was agog at some of his accounts: severed arms wincing with pain; octopuses throwing things at each other; and octopuses seemingly standing sentinel over their octopus neighbourhoods. This book is mind-blowing and soul-expanding. You'll be thinking and talking about Many Things Under a Rock for a long time. * Sy Montgomery, author of The Soul of an Octopus *Enchanting... This is just one of the fascinating factoids that marine biologist David Scheel shares with us in this clever book, based on his 25 years as one of the leading octopus researchers in the world... It is enough to melt the stoniest of hearts. * Mail on Sunday *Octopuses are deeply, gloriously weird... The book abounds with wonders. -- Kathleen Jamie * New Statesman *Scheel offers fascinating glimpses of octopus life [...] that may thrill and surprise even those of us who have read The Soul of an Octopus or watched My Octopus Teacher... excellent. * Times Literary Supplement *Scheel has been studying cephalopods for 25 years. His fascination is infectious in Many Things Under a Rock, which sets out to address an interesting question: what is it like to be an octopus? ... How wonderfully weird and weirdly human. * Sunday Times *

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Book SynopsisA BEAUTIFULLY ILLUSTRATED LOOK AT THE LIVES AND MIND-BOGGLING BEHAVIOURS OF INSECTSHow to Read an Insect takes you on an unforgettable tour of the insect world, presenting these amazing creatures as you have never seen them before.This stunningly illustrated guide puts a wealth of fascinating behaviours under the microscope – from elegant displays of courtship to brutal acts of predation. Along the way, Ross Piper charts the evolution of insects and reveals everything you need to know about how they nest, feed, reproduce and defend themselves. He concludes by discussing the impact of the human world on insects, and what we can do to prevent their decline in numbers.• Explores the remarkable lifestyles of exotic insects as well as those in your own garden.• Includes highlights from a wide range of new insect behaviour studies.• Features a wealth of breathtaking colour photos, illustrations, and graphics.

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Book SynopsisThe reef guide documents some 800 reef fishes and invertebrates found along the east and south coasts of southern Africa. Following on the success of Dennis King's earlier two titles, this impressive new guide features 578 species of fish and includes sections on anemones, starfish, snails, crabs and shrimps. Full-colour photographs and descriptive text for each species, along with useful and interesting information, make for easy identification. While focusing on southern Africa, the book is also applicable to the entire east coast of Africa, as well as the islands of the western Indian Ocean - Seychelles, Mauritius, Reunion, Madagascar, the Comoros and the Maldives. Indispensable for divers, snorkelers and rock-pool enthusiasts, as well as fishermen and marine aquarists.

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewAn attractive mixture of background information on insects, their anatomy and history of use in food and other products, food culture, recipes, and interviews. It is very carefully prepared and a pleasure to read. -- Job Ubbink, Food Concept and Physical Design of "The Mill," Switzerland Beautifully presented and well written, The Insect Cookbook has a variety of authorities to support its case that we need to consider incorporating insects into our diets for ecological reasons. -- Theresia de Vroom, Marymount Institute for Faith Tarte tatin with chocolate-coated grasshoppers? With 2 billion of us already popping mealworms and more, this is a case of joining the crowd. -- Barbara Kiser Nature This thoroughly enjoyable entomophagy primer is much more than a cookbook and, due to its interesting vignette style, keeps the reader's attention firmly fixed throughout. It pushes the boundaries of what is acceptable - an important thing to do at a time of such radical environmental destruction... this could constitute the next great culinary revolution. Permaculture Excellent and fascinating... Insects have the potential to come to the rescue and the sooner we get used to the idea, the better! Food Security The Insect Cookbook is a fascinating read and an excellent introduction to the topic of entomophagy. It offers not only an unusual lens through which to view broader debates and food security and the resource efficiency of our current food system, but also a recipe for fried tarantulas. Gastronomica Our food future is here and needs to be embraced. This book will... start you down the road of culinary adventures. Explorer's JournalTable of ContentsForeword Preface Acknowledgments 1. Insects: Essential and Delicious Six Legs and Other Features Eating Insects: "A Question of Education", by Kofi Annan Cooking with Edible Insects "You Have to Eat Away the Fear", by Pierre Wind Everyone Eats Insects Shrimp or Grasshopper? "I Could Eat Insects Anytime, Day or Night", by Harmke Klunder Weaver Ants in Asia Wasp Larvae in Japan Termites: A Royal Meal Lake Flies in East Africa "The Tortillas from Way Back When", by Edoardo Ramos Anaya Spirited Caterpillars in Mexico Long-Horned Grasshoppers in East Africa "Insects Are Buzzing All Around Me", by Johan Verbon Recipes: Five Snacks Mexican Chapulines Dim Sum Bitterbug Bites Bugsit Goreng (Fried Wontons) Mini Spring Rolls 2. Is It Healthy? Fish Friday, Meatloaf Wednesday, Insect Tuesday, by Margot Calis "A World That Works", by Marian Peters Eating Insects Safely What Kinds of Insects Can Be Eaten? Insect Consumption and Health Recipes: Five Appetizers Flower Power Salad Thai Salad Vegetable Carpaccio Pumpkin Soup Couscous Salad 3. Eating Insects: Naturally! "Some People Won't Try Anything New", by Jan Ruig Recipes: Eleven Entrees Minestrone Tagliatelle with Creamy Herb Sauce Ravioli Wild Mushroom Risotto Hakuna Matata Chili con Carne Chop Suey Jambalaya Insect Burgers Vols-au-vent Quiche "Valuable, Abundant, and Available to Everybody", by Daniella Martin "Bonbon Sauterelle", by Robert Van Beckhoven Cochineal from Peru Maggot Cheese in Sardinia Palm Beetles in the Tropics Dragonfly Larvae in China Recipes: Five Festive Dishes Chebugschichi Hopper Kebabs Pizza Bugitos Crepes "An Exploration of Deliciousness", by Rene Redzepi "The Next Generation's Shrimp Cocktail", by Katja Gruijters Spiders in Cambodia Moths in Italy and Australia Recipes: Six Desserts Chocolate Cupcakes Buglava Tarte Tatin Chocolate Cake Buffalo Snaps Buffalo Cinnamon Cookies 4. On the Future and Sustainability Mopane Caterpillars in Southern Africa Silk Moth Pupae in China Food for Astronauts "I've Always Put Everything in My Mouth", by Jan Fabre Shellac from India Jumping Plant Lice in South Africa and Australia Insects: A Sustainable Alternative to Meat "A New Episode in the History of Our Civilization", by Herman Wijffels Insect Consumption: A Global Perspective, by Paul Vantomme Insect Consumption: The Future Resources and Suppliers Index

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Book SynopsisThe essential photographic guide to Ireland''s wildlife.Collins Complete Irish Wildlife describes almost all the mammals, birds, fish and butterflies of Ireland likely to be encountered by the keen amateur naturalist, as well as all the common and widespread flowers, trees and shrubs. With over 1,000 colour photographs, this comprehensive guide illustrates every species described. The introduction by Ireland''s best known wildlife expert, Derek Mooney, sets out where you can find the best of Irish wildlife.Reptiles and amphibians, insects and spiders, molluscs and other invertebrates are also featured, and species are organised taxonomically. Each section is coded with a symbol for quick reference and species are grouped according to natural relationships and similarities. Collins Complete Irish Wildlife is a book no nature lover should travel without.Trade ReviewPraise for the Collins Complete series: 'Wonderfully descriptive photographs'BBC Wildlife 'Packs in lots of well-chosen detail in compact form'British Wildlife ‘A bookshelf essential’The Field

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Book SynopsisIn most terrestrial and aquatic habitats, the vast majority of animals transmitting and receiving communicative signals are arthropods. This book presents the story of how this important group of animals use pheromones, sound, vibration, and light for sexual and social communication. Because of their small to minute body size most arthropods have problems sending and receiving acoustic and optical information, each of which have their own severe constraints. Because of these restraints they have developed chemical signaling which is not similarly limited by scale. Presenting the latest theoretical and experimental findings from studies of signaling, it suggests that close parallels between arthropods and vertebrates reflect a very limited number of solutions to problems in behavior that are available within the confines of physical laws.Trade ReviewIn summary, this is a valuable addition to the literature on animal communication at the introductory level. Greenfield's book is worthwile precisely because it is brief. I will recommend this book for undergraduate courses and for the generalist reader who wants to know more about this interesting subject. * Nature *On nearly every page there is an intriguing example from nature, a clear explanation, a thoughtful and novel commentary, a thread leading in an unexpected direction. * American Entomologist *The drive to organize a broad range of knowledge into a unified, comprehensible scheme is combined with an equal fascination with the details of how each particular system works and the problems that needed to be solved to make it work. This makes for rewarding reading from start to finish. * American Entomologist *Table of Contents1. Communication in a Lilliputian World ; 2. Signal Theory and the Language of Communication ; 3. Chemical Signaling and the Olfactory Channel ; 4. Sound and Vibration and the Mechanical Channel ; 5. Bioluminescence and Reflected Light and the Visual Channel ; 6. Sexual Selection and the Evolution of Signals ; 7. Signal Evolution: Modification and Diversification

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Book SynopsisInvertebrates is a complete, trusted, and engaging textbook whose comprehensive coverage makes it an invaluable resource for both undergraduate and graduate courses and professional researchers. The 3rd edition has been widely praised for its detailed classifications, high-quality illustrations, and coverage of contemporary debates in the field. The 4th edition will continue to feature recent scholarship and current perspectives, while streamlining the text to improve accessibility for intro-level students. Gonzalo Giribet joins as coauthor, contributing his phylogenomic expertise as an Evolutionary Biologist and Phylogeneticist, and Director of Harvard''s Museum of Comparative Zoology.Trade Review“Brusca is an excellent reference text that will fill you in on material, providing you a feeling of having had a solid introduction to the clade in question. It is also now the most up to date text, which is important with the changes in taxonomy.” -Derek Rosenberger, Olivet Nazarene University“Brusca is the 21st century's authoritative reference on invertebrate zoology. The most compelling feature is its comprehensiveness. It is the book that I turn to when I need to review basic biology or systematics of invertebrates.” -Steve Dudgeon, California State University Northridge“[Brusca has] the highest quality figures of any texts on the subject.” -Lynne Fieber, University of MiamiTable of ContentsChapter 1: IntroductionKeeping Track of LifeProkaryotes and EukaryotesWhere Did Invertebrates Come From?Where Do Invertebrates Live?Changing Views of Invertebrate PhylogenyA Final Introductory Message to the ReaderChapter 2: Systematics, Phylogeny, and ClassificationPhylogeny, Monophyly, Paraphyly, and PolyphylyHomologyApomorphy and PlesiomorphyChallenges of Phylogenetic InferenceConstructing PhylogeniesBiological ClassificationNomenclatureChapter 3: Introduction to the Animal Kingdom: Animal Architecture and Body PlansBody SymmetryCellularity, Body Size, Germ Layers, and Body CavitiesLocomotion and SupportCilia and FlagellaFeeding and DigestionExcretion and OsmoregulationCirculation and Gas ExchangeNervous Systems and Sense OrgansBioluminescenceNervous Systems and Body PlansHormones and PheromonesReproductionChapter 4: Introduction to the Animal Kingdom: Development, Life Histories, and OriginEvolutionary Developmental Biology: Evo-DevoEggs and EmbryosLife Cycles: Sequences and StrategiesThe Relationships Between Ontogeny and PhylogenyThe Origin of the MetazoaChapter 5: Phylum Porifera: The SpongesTaxonomic History and ClassificationThe Poriferan Body PlanSome Additional Aspects of Sponge BiologyPoriferan PhylogenyChapter 6: Two Enigmatic Phyla: Placozoa and Ctenophora (The Comb Jellies)Phylum CtenophoraTaxonomic History and ClassificationThe Ctenophoran Body PlanCtenophoran PhylogenyChapter 7: Phylum Cnidaria: Anemones, Corals, Jellyfish, and Their KinTaxonomic History and ClassificationThe Cnidarian Body PlanCnidarian Evolutionary HistoryChapter 8: A Brief introduction to the Bilateria and Its Major CladesDeuterostomes and ProtostomesChapter 9: Phylum Xenacoelomorpha. Basal BilateriansThe Basal BilaterianPhylum XenacoelomorphaSubphylum AcoelomorphaClass AcoelaThe Acoel Body PlanClass NemertodermatidaThe Nemertodermatid Body PlanSubphylum XenoturbellidaThe Xenoturbellid Body PlanChapter 10: Protostomia, Spiralia, and the Phylum Dicyemida + Spiralia and EcdysozoaThe Phylum Dicyemida (= Rhombozoa)Anatomy and Biology of DicyemidansLife CyclesChapter 11: Gnathifera. The Phyla Gnathostomulida, Rotifera (including Acanthocephala), Micrognathozoa, and Chaetognatha + Phylum Gnathostomulida: The GnathostomulidsThe Gnathostomulid Body PlanPhylum Rotifera: The Free-Living RotifersThe Rotifer Body PlanBody Cavity, Support, and LocomotionNervous System and Sense OrgansReproduction and DevelopmentPhylum Rotifera, Subclass Acanthocephala: The AcanthocephalansThe Acanthocephalan Body PlanPhylum Micrognathozoa: The MicrognathozoansThe Micrognathozoan Body PlanPhylum ChaetognathaChaetognath ClassificationThe Chaetognath Body PlanReproduction and DevelopmentChapter 12: Platytrochozoa and Two Enigmatic Phyla: Entoprocta and Cycliophora + Phylum Entoprocta: The EntoproctsThe Entoproct Body PlanPhylum Cycliophora: The CycliophoransChapter 13: Introduction to the Lophotrochozoa, and the Phylum Mollusca + The LophotrochozaPhylum MolluscaTaxonomic History and ClassificationThe Molluscan Body PlanMolluscan Evolution and PhylogenyChapter 14: Phylum Nemertea: The Ribbon Worms + Taxonomic History and ClassificationThe Nemertean Body PlanNemertean PhylogenyChapter 15: Phylum Annelida. The Segmented (and Some Unsegmented) Worms + Taxonomic History and ClassificationThe Annelid Body PlanSipuncula: The Peanut WormsSipunculan ClassificationThe Sipunculan Body PlanThalassematidae: The Spoon WormsSiboglinidae: Vent Worms and Their KinSiboglinid Taxonomic HistoryThe Siboglinid Body PlanHirudinea: Leeches and Their RelativesThe Hirudinean Body PlanOrthonectida: Extremely Simplified AnnelidsAnnelid PhylogenyChapter 16: The Lophophorata: Phyla Phoronida, Bryozoa, and Brachiopoda + Taxonomic History of the LophophoratesThe Lophophorate Body PlanPhylum Phoronida: The PhoronidsThe Phoronid Body PlanPhylum Bryozoa: The Moss AnimalsThe Bryozoan Body PlanPhylum Brachiopoda: The Lamp ShellsThe Brachiopod Body PlanChapter 17: Rouphozoa: The Phyla Platyhelminthes (Flatworms) and Gastrotricha (Hairy-Bellied Worms) + Introduction to RouphozoaThe Phylum Platyhelminthes (Flatworms)Taxonomic History and ClassificationThe Platyhelminth Body PlanPlatyhelminth PhylogenyPhylum Gastrotricha: The Gastrotrichs, or Hairy-Bellied WormsThe Gastrotrich Body PlanReproduction and DevelopmentChapter 18: Introduction to Ecdysozoa: Scalidophora (Phyla Kinorhyncha, Priapula, Loricifera) + Introduction to EcdysozoaThe ScalidophoraPhylum Kinorhyncha: The Kinorhynchs, or Mud DragonsThe Kinorhynch Body PlanPhylum Priapula: The Priapulans, or Penis WormsPriapulan Body PlanNervous System and Sense OrgansPhylum Loricifera: The LoriciferansChapter 19: Nematoida: Phyla Nematoda and Nematomorpha + Phylum Nematoda: RoundwormsNematode ClassificationThe Nematode Body PlanLife Cycles of Some Parasitic NematodesPhylum Nematomorpha: Horsehair Worms and Their KinThe Nematomorph Body PlanChapter 20: Panarthropoda and the Emergence of the Arthropods. Tardigrades, Onychophorans, and the Arthropod Body Plan + Phylum TardigradaThe Tardigrade Body PlanPhylum OnychophoraThe Onychophoran Body PlanAn Introduction to the Phylum ArthropodaThe Arthropod Body Plan and ArthropodizationThe Evolution of ArthropodsChapter 21: Phylum Arthropoda. Subphylum Crustacea: Crabs, Shrimps, and Their Kin + Classification of the CrustaceaSynopses of Crustacean TaxaThe Crustacean Body PlanCrustacean PhylogenyChapter 22: Phylum Arthropoda. Hexapoda: Insects and Their Kin + The Hexapod Body PlanHexapod EvolutionChapter 23: Phylum Arthropoda. Subphylum Myriapoda: Centipedes, Millipedes, and Their Kin + Myriapod ClassificationThe Myriapod Body PlanMyriapod PhylogenyChapter 24: Phylum Arthropoda. The Chelicerata + Synopses of Living Chelicerate Groups*The Euchelicerate Body PlanThe Class PycnogonidaThe Pycnogonid Body PlanChelicerate PhylogenyChapter 25: Introduction to Deuterostomia, and the Phylum Hemichordata + Introduction to the DeuterostomiaPhylum Hemichordata: Acorn Worms and PterobranchsThe Hemichordate Body PlanClass Enteropneusta (Acorn Worms)Class Pterobranchia (Pterobranchs)Hemichordate Fossil Record and PhylogenyChapter 26: The Phylum Echinodermata + The Phylum EchinodermataTaxonomic History and ClassificationThe Echinoderm Body PlanEchinoderm PhylogenyChapter 27: Phylum Chordata: Cephalochordata and Urochordata + Phylum Chordata, Subphylum Cephalochordata: The LanceletsThe Cephalochordate Body PlanPhylum Chordata, Subphylum Urochordata: The TunicatesThe Tunicate Body PlanChordate PhylogenyChapter 28: Perspectives on Invertebrate Phylogeny

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Book SynopsisThis book outlines the main methods and techniques available to entomologists. With up to a quarter of all insect species heading towards extinction over the next few decades, there is a pressing need to summarize the techniques available for measuring insect diversity in order to develop effective conservation strategies.Trade ReviewIt should be on the bookshelf of every practising conservationist or environmental manager and will be a great source-book for undergraduates, postgraduates and established researchers.It will certainly be on the essential reading list of the MSc in Invertebrate Ecology and Conservation that we run at Staffordshire! * John W. Glover, Journal of Insect Conservation *This volume is a summary of how to approach insect conservation and its associated research from a rigorous scientific and statistical perspective.The authors have provided an excellent summary of experimental design, sampling techniques,specimen storage and data analysis.Although their intended audience is the early - career researcher, there is no doubt that seasoned scientists, managers and curators could benefit from this synthesis of important information. * Diane M. Debinski, Quarterly Review of Biology *Insect Conservation's greatest strength is its careful descriptions of field methods that no longer are commonly taught. * Ecology *Table of Contents1. Introducing Insect Conservation ; 2. Taxonomy and Curation of Insects ; 3. Designing Sampling Protocols for Insect Conservation ; 4. Collecting and Recording Insects ; 5. Measuring Environmental Variables ; 6. Estimating Population Size and Condition ; 7. The Population and the Landscape ; 8. Ex Situ Conservation: Captive Rearing and Reintroduction Programmes ; 9. Biodiversity and Assemblage Studies ; 10. Studying Insects in the Changing Environment ; Useful software in insect ecology and conservation ; Glossary ; References ; Index

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Book SynopsisOur oceans are becoming increasingly inhospitable to life-growing toxicity and rising temperatures coupled with overfishing have led many marine species to the brink of collapse. This book tells stories of jellyfish both attractive and deadly while illuminating many interesting and unusual facts about their behaviors and environmental adaptations.Trade Review"A comprehensive summary of the irresistible rise of an arguably unstoppable creature." (Nature) "Stung! evokes the danger of jellyfish blooms but, even more fundamentally, it is about the real effect of the collapsing oceans.... Extremely important, wellwritten, and well documented." (Huffington Post) "This well-researched book is not just about jellyfish, but rather about the current and future state of the world's oceans. Gershwin has done a superb job.... As she guides readers through the basics of jellyfish biology, she shows how the characteristics of these animals make them ideally suited to take over stressed envrionments and gives examples of how they have already done just that.... Highly recommended." (Choice) "Gershwin is a scientist who can write. She is a scientist, a conservationist, a public conscience, and a prophet. 'Prophet' is a mantle which nobody dons willingly because part of the definition of 'prophet' is that nobody listens to the warning until it is too late. It is probably not too late yet. So read Stung!. Then start making noise." (Audubon)"

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Book SynopsisThe authors argue that the growth pattern and form of the colony in many bryozoans is an adaptive strategy rather than a stable genetic character. Bryozoan Evolution is profusely illustrated and has a bibliography of over 400 titles. It will find an appreciative audience of paleontologists, invertebrate zoologists, and ecologists thanks to its innovative and detailed evaluations of the roles of ecology, adaptive and functional morphology, life histories, biomechanics, developmental constraints, and chance on the evolution of the marine taxa of this speciose group.--Russel L. Zimmer, Science This book is an excellent source of information on the functional morphology and variety of colonial architecture in bryozoans, very well illustrated, and worth reading at least twice.-Robert L. Anstey, Paleobiology Even as one of the converted, I found the book a stimulating combination of paleobiology and ecology. In many ways it is a 'teaser'-the authors suggest a number of interesting hypotheses, and can test only some of them. Perhaps most important, McKinney and Jackson provide a plethora of fascinating ideas and examples that demonstrate the potential of this group of animals, and that should stimulate more work.-Michael S. Keough, TREE This stimulating book is sure to promote further interest in bryozoans. It will appeal to biologists and paleontologists alike.-Paul Taylor, Times Higher Education Supplement

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Book SynopsisComprehensive illustrated encyclopedia of the world's coleoptera featuring 4,500 colour photographs and authoritative text.

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Book SynopsisFergus Chadwick grew up in rural County Durham in the UK, and from an early age his interest in nature was apparent. Spending most of his childhood chasing insects, he took up beekeeping at the age of 13, under the mentorship of local beekeeper John Simon. From that moment on, he was hooked on bees. He went on to study Biological Sciences at Somerville College, the University of Oxford, where his work on the relationship between bees and neonicotinoid pesticides (carried out at the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology) formed the basis of his dissertation. His current research focuses broadly on bee behaviour under the influence of pesticides. He is a passionate advocate of science communication and access to education. Steve Alton is an ecologist, botanist, and beekeeper's assistant who looks after Ashdown Forest, an area of heathland in Sussex best known as the home of Winnie the Pooh. Before that he worked for 13 years at the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, collecting seeds for thTrade ReviewBeautifully designed with great illustrations and pictures * BBC Good Food *

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Book SynopsisEchinoderms (which include such animals as sea stars, crinoids or sea lilies, sea urchins, sand dollars, and sea cucumbers) have left useful fossil record. This volume highlights the modern study of fossil echinoderms.Trade Review[An] excellent book . . . . The advances being made in understanding echinoderm paleobiology are impressive in their diversity and extent, and are well showcased in this book.Vol. 84 Sept. 2009 -- Andrew B. Smith * Natural History Museum, London *Table of ContentsIContentsIntroduction / William I. Ausich and Gary D. WebsterPart 1. Functional Morphology, Paleoecology, and TaphonomyIntroduction to Part 1 / William I. Ausich and Gary D. Webster1. Taphonomy as an Indicator of Behavior among Fossil Crinoids / Tomasz K. Baumiller, Forest J. Gahn, Hans Hess, and Charles G. Messing2. Attachment, Facies Distribution, and Life History Strategies in Crinoids from the Upper Ordovician of Kentucky / Carlton E. Brett, Bradley L. Deline, and Patrick I. McLaughlin3. Paleobiology of Carboniferous Microcrinoids / George D. Sevastopulo4. The Importance of Echinoids in Late Paleozoic Ecosystems / Chris L. Schneider5. New Observations on Taphonomy and Paleoecology of Uintacrinus socialis Grinnell (Crinoidea; Upper Cretaceous) / Andrew J. Webber, David L. Meyer, and Clare V. Milsom6. Taphonomy of the Irregular Echinoid Clypeaster humilis from the Red Sea: Implications for Taxonomic Resolution along Taphonomic Grades / James H. NebelsickPart 2. Evolutionary PaleoecologyIntroduction to Part 2 / William I. Ausich and Gary D. Webster7. Tiering History of Early Epifaunal Suspension-Feeding Echinoderms / Stephen Q. Dornbos8. Evolution and Extinction of a Paleozoic Crinoid Clade: Phylogenetics, Paleogeography, and Environmental Distribution of the Periechocrinids / William I. Ausich and Thomas W. KammerPart 3. Morphology for Refined Phylogenetic StudiesIntroduction to Part 3 / William I. Ausich and Gary D. Webster9. Paedomorphosis as an Adaptive Response in Pinnulate Cladid Crinoids from the Burlington Limestone (Mississippian, Osagean) of the Mississippi Valley / Thomas W. Kammer10. Cladid Crinoid Radial Facets, Brachials, and Arm Appendages: A Terminology Solution for Studies of Lineage, Classification, and Paleoenvironment / Gary D. Webster and Christopher G. Maples11. The Origin of Lovén's Law in Glyptocystitoid Rhombiferans and Its Bearing on the Plate Homology and Heterochronic Evolution of the Hemicosmitoid Peristomial Border / Colin D. SumrallPart 4. Mississippian Impacts and BiomakersIntroduction to Part 4 / William I. Ausich and Gary D. Webster12. Mixed-Age Echinoderms, Conodonts, and Other Fossils Used to Date a Meteorite Impact, and Implications for Missing Strata in the Type Osagean (Mississippian) in Missouri, USA / James F. Miller, Kevin R. Evans, William I. Ausich, Susan E. Bolyard, George H. Davis, Raymond L. Ethington, Charles W. Rovey II, Charles A. Sandberg, Thomas L. Thompson, and Johnny A. Waters13. Crinoid Biomarkers (Borden Group, Mississippian): Implications for Phylogeny / Christina E. O'Malley, William I. Ausich, and Yu-Ping ChinPart 5. Echinoderm Faunal StudiesIntroduction to Part 5 / William I. Ausich and Gary D. Webster14. Overview of Early Ordovician Crinoid Diversity from the Western and Southwestern United States / James Sprinkle, Thomas E. Guensburg, and Forest J. Gahn15. Ever since Ramsbottom: Silurian Crinoids of the British Isles since 1954 / Stephen K. Donovan, David N. Lewis, Rosanne E. Widdison, and Fiona E. Fearnhead16. Overview of Paleozoic Stemmed Echinoderms from China / Johnny A. Waters, Sara A. Marcus, Christopher G. Maples, N. Gary Lane, Hongfei Hou, Zhouting Liao, Jinxing Wang, and Lujun Liu17. Fossil Echinodermata from Puerto Rico / Jorge Vélez-Juarbe and Hernán SantosAppendicesIndex

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Book SynopsisA study of nematodes as active contributors to the decomposition cycle in soil ecosystems.Table of Contents List of Contributors Foreword (J. A. Wallwork) Preface (D. W. Freckman) I. Primary Consumption The Role of Nematodes as Primary Consumers (Howard Ferris) Nematodes in No-Tillage Agroecosystems (B. R. Stinner and D. A. Crossley, Jr.) Interactions between Phytophagous Nematodes (Larry Duncan and Howard Ferris) II. Decomposition Role of Nematodes in Decomposition (G. W. Yeates and D. C. Coleman) Parameters of the Nematode Contribution to Ecosystems (Diana W. Freckman) The Role of Nematodes in Decomposition in Desert Ecosystems (W. G. Whitford, D. W. Freckman, R. F. Santos, N. Z. Elkins, and L. W. Parker) The Role of Bacterivorous and Fungivorous Nematodes in Cellulose and Chitin Decomposition in the Context of a Root/Rhizosphere/Soil Conceptual Model (J. A. Trofymow and D. C. Coleman) III. Synthesis and Validation Model Synthesis and Validation: Primary Consumers (R. McSorley, J. M. Ferris, and V. R. Ferris) A Simulation Model for Life-History Strategies of Bacteriophagic Nematodes (Richard V. Anderson and Thomas B. Kirchner) Soil Sampling and Processing for Detection and Quantification of Nematode Populations for Ecological Studies (P. B. Goodell) Discussion

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Book SynopsisCovers over five hundred families of North American insects.

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